-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
Is MS going to buy a Japanese publisher next?
- Thread starter bluecowboys
- Start date
OmegaSupreme
advanced basic bitch
? How is Capcom in a bad moment? They just released a huge game and have been releasing bangers back to back for several years now.
graywolf323
Member
gotta love as soon as it looked like the tides had turned and the ABK purchase would go through the Xbox fans immediately turned to who can they buy next? 
ReBurn
Gold Member
Bringing more weeb games to Gamepass probably. Weebs will waifu Gamepass if it has that cute and quirky Japanese content.
I don't know if that's actually true but it feels like it could be.
GHound
Member
An incredibly bold assumption I can confirm is not true.
Skifi28
Member
Console wars are getting serious. They should also take away their women.
Oddvintagechap
Member
I hope they do, Xbox gamers need some games.
Xbox just want a fighting chance.
Fuck it Ubisoft too. Then they can finally close those useless Xbox Studios.
Xbox just want a fighting chance.
Fuck it Ubisoft too. Then they can finally close those useless Xbox Studios.
Danjin44
The nicest person on this forum
No? most of SE games don’t come out on Xbox like Tactics Ogre Reborn and recently Octopath 2 and don’t think Sony paid for those like they did with FFXVI.
most Japanese devs know most of their core audience are in PlayStation and Nintendo, not Xbox.
This why you don’t see games like Atelier Ryza series coming out on Xbox.
most Japanese devs know most of their core audience are in PlayStation and Nintendo, not Xbox.
This why you don’t see games like Atelier Ryza series coming out on Xbox.
Last edited:
Pedro Motta
Member
They should stop being lazy and start developing their own IP's instead trying to buyout the whole industry.
Celcius
°Temp. member
THIS x1000
DenchDeckard
Moderated wildly
I think Sony will buy square within the next 12 to 18 months.....Ms will wait a bit for any more purchases.
I'm also probably massively wrong.
I'm also probably massively wrong.
splattered
Member
Sony gonna buy Square, MS gonna buy Sega.
GO!
GO!
Madserb2023
Member
It would be a waste of money as it wouldn't make a difference to their impact in Asia, which would be the main reason for buying a Japanese publisher. Capcom would be the best option as their games are probably more popular in the West than in Japan outside of Monster Hunter.
DeepEnigma
Gold Member
KittyKatMan
Neo Member
Japanese market is going to shrink greatly in the next 20 years. Birth rate is too low, and mobile phones are the big market there…
Henry Panic
Banned
I don't see any returns with going after the Japanese console market in it's current state, especially with software.
They would have better results expanding into Africa and the Middle East more.
They would have better results expanding into Africa and the Middle East more.
Killer8
Member
As pathetic as it would be, just to try to win some market share in a nation who couldn't care less about them, I think buying SEGA would spiritually be the most compatible company.
There are some historical links between MS and SEGA. MS supplied their shitty Windows CE operating system to Dreamcast. Peter Moore oversaw the Dreamcast in its limited time on Earth, before moving to Microsoft to oversee the best years of Xbox and X360. The original Xbox was for all intents and purposes a Dreamcast 2 - same push for online, a continuation of many SEGA franchises like Panzer Dragoon, Sega GT, Jet Set Radio and Shenmue, and even the same button layout on the controller. The big Xbox launch racing game, Project Gotham Racing, was a successor to Metropolis Street Racer from Bizarre Creations. Their relationship is proof that the Japanese and the American can Dream together.
If Microsoft were to buy SEGA, then the library they'd gain access to would be very valuable not just in terms of quality but also in cultural relevance. Sonic, Yakuza, the vast back catalog of old IP, plus everything previously mentioned. It is a veritable king's bounty of gaming history they'd be buying compared to dropping $67 billion on Call of Duty and Blizzard games no one cares about any more.
Also the Sonic Blue controller is hot as fuck and just strangely feels so right:
There are some historical links between MS and SEGA. MS supplied their shitty Windows CE operating system to Dreamcast. Peter Moore oversaw the Dreamcast in its limited time on Earth, before moving to Microsoft to oversee the best years of Xbox and X360. The original Xbox was for all intents and purposes a Dreamcast 2 - same push for online, a continuation of many SEGA franchises like Panzer Dragoon, Sega GT, Jet Set Radio and Shenmue, and even the same button layout on the controller. The big Xbox launch racing game, Project Gotham Racing, was a successor to Metropolis Street Racer from Bizarre Creations. Their relationship is proof that the Japanese and the American can Dream together.
If Microsoft were to buy SEGA, then the library they'd gain access to would be very valuable not just in terms of quality but also in cultural relevance. Sonic, Yakuza, the vast back catalog of old IP, plus everything previously mentioned. It is a veritable king's bounty of gaming history they'd be buying compared to dropping $67 billion on Call of Duty and Blizzard games no one cares about any more.
Also the Sonic Blue controller is hot as fuck and just strangely feels so right:
Woopah
Member
Birth rate could definitely be an issue, but the mobile and dedicated video game device markets can coexist in Japan just like in Europe and North America.
CatLady
Selfishly plays on Xbox Purr-ies X
Phil talks a lot about wanting to get more Japanese games, but I fervently hope Xbox doesn't buy a Japanese publisher. If they are going to buy something I would like them to get more smaller western studios.
There is a very loud minority of people crying for Japanese games on Xbox but Japanese games are not appealing to the majority of Xbox gamers, and they sell like shit. Let Sony and Nintendo specialize in Japanese games. All 3 consoles don't need to be Japanese boxes.
There is a very loud minority of people crying for Japanese games on Xbox but Japanese games are not appealing to the majority of Xbox gamers, and they sell like shit. Let Sony and Nintendo specialize in Japanese games. All 3 consoles don't need to be Japanese boxes.
bluecowboys
Banned
I kind of agree but Capcom games in particular has a huge western audience.
01011001
Banned
Varteras
Member
IT WILL COME! THE PROPHECY WILL COME TRUE!
nowhat
Member
Paraphrasing the end of Casablanca: "We'll always have Wednesday".
01011001
Banned
In Cold Blood
Banned
I think they absolutely want to do something in Japan. Phil is an actual gamer. He has alot of love for Japanese gaming culture, and I think he wants to have that influence in the Xbox Studios. It a two pronged thing.
1 He really wants it to be a part of Xbox because he likes them, and 2 he knows that by having more Japanese titles it will help the Xbox brand in Japan.
As far a potential targets go, I think there is smaller targets including Platinum (I think MS was trying to buy them just before the XSXS was released., and maybe a Capcom or Sega. I just don't think Square is in their plans. MS has spent how many years trying to woo Square and they just can't get anywhere. On top of that I don't think that they would be a good buyout. Sure, I would love to see the absolute meltdown if they did and made FF exclusive to xbox. I would enjoy seeing the cries about how Square shit and FF hasn't been good for 10 years, but that's no happening.
If there is going to be aquisitions then you kinda want to see some romantic things like Square going to Sony because of their relationship, and then Sega going to MS because Xbox was the spiritual successor to Dreamcast.
But while this is all fun to speculate, the actual companies want to sell as well. I'm not sure that anyone outside of Square is in need of being bought out (Sony get in there and sort that shit out), and even then Sony would want to actually take on the shit show that is Square as well. They have alot of mouths to feed and if they arnt making money, and their roadmap looks terrible, why would Sony do it?
1 He really wants it to be a part of Xbox because he likes them, and 2 he knows that by having more Japanese titles it will help the Xbox brand in Japan.
As far a potential targets go, I think there is smaller targets including Platinum (I think MS was trying to buy them just before the XSXS was released., and maybe a Capcom or Sega. I just don't think Square is in their plans. MS has spent how many years trying to woo Square and they just can't get anywhere. On top of that I don't think that they would be a good buyout. Sure, I would love to see the absolute meltdown if they did and made FF exclusive to xbox. I would enjoy seeing the cries about how Square shit and FF hasn't been good for 10 years, but that's no happening.
If there is going to be aquisitions then you kinda want to see some romantic things like Square going to Sony because of their relationship, and then Sega going to MS because Xbox was the spiritual successor to Dreamcast.
But while this is all fun to speculate, the actual companies want to sell as well. I'm not sure that anyone outside of Square is in need of being bought out (Sony get in there and sort that shit out), and even then Sony would want to actually take on the shit show that is Square as well. They have alot of mouths to feed and if they arnt making money, and their roadmap looks terrible, why would Sony do it?
Bergoglio
Member
Bro, it's like soccer. You can't not get involved in these things. Try going to a Manchester City fan and saying Real Madrid is better. You simply can't. A passion is such when you're willing to put your blood into it. Wives, however, are generally not considered bargaining chips. Fuck Sony and his dominance. Every empire sooner or later falls.
Last edited:
Poltz
Member
Team Ninja are owned by Koei Tecmo.
supernova8
Banned
Miss the days when we weren't stuck firmly in cross-gen hell 2.5 years into the cycle. There's nothing else interesting to talk about.
Last edited:
supernova8
Banned
Plus all the top talent would probably just leave if MS bought them.
Gojiira
Member
Japanese laws would prevent it so no. Thankfully this means MS will never get its sticky fingers on MGS or Resident Evil…
Gavon West
Spread's Cheeks for Intrusive Ads
Why not? This merger is pretty normal. Microsoft was clearly expecting to go through some hoops for this acquisition. I think their willing to go through hoops for another purchase if need be. The roadblocks their experiencing now are more politically motivated if anything. Most concerns have been pretty weak to hold up the ABK deal.
I'd expect another acquisition should be relatively easier after this. CMA and FTC already have what they need from this case.
Gavon West
Spread's Cheeks for Intrusive Ads
You're crazy if you don't think Microsoft will pick up at least a couple of japanese dev houses. That's happening - just as sure as water is wet. Just a matter of when, if they haven't already.
cireza
Member
My favorite Japanese developer by the way. They have a pretty great output, their games are fun !
damiank
Member
Today is the day
Keep ATLUS out of thisAs pathetic as it would be, just to try to win some market share in a nation who couldn't care less about them, I think buying SEGA would spiritually be the most compatible company.
There are some historical links between MS and SEGA. MS supplied their shitty Windows CE operating system to Dreamcast. Peter Moore oversaw the Dreamcast in its limited time on Earth, before moving to Microsoft to oversee the best years of Xbox and X360. The original Xbox was for all intents and purposes a Dreamcast 2 - same push for online, a continuation of many SEGA franchises like Panzer Dragoon, Sega GT, Jet Set Radio and Shenmue, and even the same button layout on the controller. The big Xbox launch racing game, Project Gotham Racing, was a successor to Metropolis Street Racer from Bizarre Creations. Their relationship is proof that the Japanese and the American can Dream together.
If Microsoft were to buy SEGA, then the library they'd gain access to would be very valuable not just in terms of quality but also in cultural relevance. Sonic, Yakuza, the vast back catalog of old IP, plus everything previously mentioned. It is a veritable king's bounty of gaming history they'd be buying compared to dropping $67 billion on Call of Duty and Blizzard games no one cares about any more.
Also the Sonic Blue controller is hot as fuck and just strangely feels so right:
Daniel_Mallorca1985
Member
ChuckeRearmed
Member
Yes. I think so. I believe it will be either Sega or Capcom. Though any of the existing publishers might fit Xbox for various reasons (I believe it will be one of big four), I do find that Sega and Capcom are the best in that regard.
Though it is interesting to observe some kinda tension regarding this topic online People are afraid. Some are in denial. Unnerving for some people.
- Sega fits Xbox quite nicely as with Sega, MSFT can acquire a mascot (Sonic), can get additional PC support (strategy games for example), console games (new Yakuza JRGPs and Persona) and even mobile (Sega has some games there too). And not to mention that enormous back catalog. The main problem is Sammy though.
- Capcom has a strong PC presence and relatively active support for their IPs. Their IPs are also strong like Resident Evil and Street Fighter, with SF being a defining fighting game IP. I believe they have the least ties with other industries.
- Bamco is the biggest publisher with a lot of ties in the industry and some well known IPs like Tekken or Gundam. However the main problem is that they tend to release a lot of licensed anime titles and Microsoft does not like to deal with licensing.
- Square Enix is a well known entity and while core IPs are big, there are impediments like FF being effectively moneyhatted till who knows when, KH being a partially owned IP and strange management issues. They do release a lot of small games that would feed Game Pass nicely, has a relatively strong mobile presence and have FF14 (MSFT would own FF14 and WoW then). Still I don't find them particularly attractive.
Though it is interesting to observe some kinda tension regarding this topic online
People are afraid. Some are in denial. Unnerving for some people.
Last edited:
Team Andromeda
Member
SEGA Please Phil, You know it makes sense.
If that was so easy they would have done it ages ago. Nah not happening.
And given the output of studios under MS rule it's a good thing, even for xbox gamers.
Sanepar
Member
Buy a publishers doesn't affect only Sony. Nintendo will not be happy to lose capcom or sega games. It won't happen.